Eric Theuri is the new President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) after he won the elections held on Thursday, March 10.
Theuri succeeded former President and Westlands Parliamentary seat aspirant Nelson Havi who was at the helm of the society since February 2020.
He garnered 1811 votes, trouncing outgoing vice president Caroline Kamende who got 1085 votes. Theuri will serve a two-year term as LSK's 50th President.
Theuri who is a corporate audit specialist and advocate was declared the winner by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in all the 25 designated LSK polling centers nationwide.
His election was further affirmed by the society's seven-member elections board headed by senior counsel Janmohamed Zehrabanu.
Havi while acknowledging Theuri's victory, noted that he would support the newly elected president.
"My Friend Theuri Eric Njeru, the weight of public office will for two years weigh heavily on shoulders as the 50th President of LSK. Unlike my predecessor, I will let you work and support you, should you require my counsel. May you succeed where I failed and improve on what I did," Havi stated.
Other candidates who were vying to replace Havi included former LSK Council Members Omwanza Ombati, Coast Branch chairman Mathew Nyabena and Bernard Kipkoech who once served as the society's treasurer.
Theuri will be deputised by Faith Odhiambo who replaces outgoing vice president Caroline Kamende.
Jacqueline Ingutiah was also elected as the LSK female representative to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
The society is also expected to nominate a representative for the Judiciary Service Commission (JSC). Those eyeing the post include Christine Kipsang, Julie Soweto and Jackline Ingutiah.
The new officials take over from Havi whose reign was marred with controversies and a supremacy battle with the society's Chief Executive Officer Mercy Wambua.
Havi suspended Wambua but his decision was nullified by High Court which ordered the society to convene a meeting within 21 days failure to which a caucus would take over.
“If council remains dysfunctional and not able to conduct business, the Chairs Caucus shall take over the functions of the council with the Chair of the Branch exercising powers of the president of LSK for the remainder of the term ” Justice Mrima ordered.
Havi failed to hold the meeting paving way for the election. He further announced that he will vie for the Westlands Member of Parliament seat in the August 9 General Election.
